Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented former N.Y. Mayor Michael Bloomberg with the inaugural Genesis Prize on Thursday, May 22, at a ceremony held at the Jerusalem Theatre, emceed by comedian Jay Leno and attended by international dignitaries, Nobel laureates and business leaders from around the globe. Award-winning pianist Evgeny Kissin, who made aliyah late last year, was featured musical performer. The annual prize, which carries a $1 million award, recognizes an honoree who has attained excellence and international renown in his or her field, and whose actions and achievements embody the character of the Jewish people through commitment to Jewish values, the Jewish community and/or the State of Israel. Prior to the ceremony, Bloomberg announced his intention to use the $1 million award to create a global competition named the Genesis Generation Challenge.